US Youth Soccer Recreational Coach of the Year Awards announced

FRISCO, Texas (Via US Youth Soccer) — US Youth Soccer has recognized the accomplishments of the national winner and nominees for the 2017 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Recreational Coach of the Year awards. The Recreational Coach of the Year Award honors individuals for his or her coaching activities, sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and citizenship.

The national Recreational Coach of the Year will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Philadelphia, held in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

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National Boys Recreational Coach of the Year Award Winner:

Ricardo Oliva – Rohnert Park, Calif. (WEST)
Sportsmanship is paramount to Oliva when he coaches his teams. Oliva understands and reiterates to his players that while it is wonderful to win, one has to accept losses with grace and acknowledge the other team’s success. Oliva is known to lead by example, always sharing a friendly smile and kind words for those he meets, exhibiting his own personal practice of good sportsmanship on a daily basis.

Other National Award Nominees:

EAST – Walter Oliver – Glen Burnie, Md.
Oliver’s coaching philosophy is centered on the player. His desire is to develop players with passion for the game by keeping it fun with the emphasis on a love of the game over winning.

MIDWEST – Michael L. Harris – Dearborn, Mich.
When Harris’ players come off the field, the parents know that they are well coached on the field, as well as off. Beyond the skills of soccer, Harris is teaching his players life lessons.

SOUTH – Scott Demers – Greenbrier, Ark.
Coach Demers does a great job of balancing fun and learning, and he helps keep his players motivated by correcting mistakes in encouraging ways.
National Girls Recreational Coach of the Year Award Winner:

Allie Goff – Viera, Fla. (SOUTH)
Goff is the epitome of a strong female coach who leads by example and always gives complete support and honesty to her players. She has a U.S. Soccer “D” License and is always open to new ideas as she seeks to inspire her players to reach for their fullest potential. Goff’s coaching helps give girls starting in the game a solid foundation and provides a role model to her female athletes.

Other National Award Nominees:

EAST – Paul Glover – West Hartford, Conn.
Throughout Glover’s 39 years of coaching, one of the most notable influences comes in the area of sportsmanship. He uses his life lessons to inspire players to be the best they can be on and off the field.

MIDWEST – David Mueller – Rapid City, S.D.
Coach Mueller very much exemplifies a “do your best and have fun” mentality while radiating this to all those around him. He uses soccer principles to help strengthen the players as long-term individuals.

WEST – Tom McManus – Roseville, Calif.
McManus’ patience, positivity and enthusiasm are a driving force in getting his players to play hard and enjoy the game, all while adapting to the challenges of the sport and life.